A "scorner" in biblical terms refers to an individual who mocks, ridicules, or shows contempt, particularly towards wisdom, instruction, or the divine. The concept of the scorner is primarily found in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, especially in the Book of Proverbs. The scorner is often depicted as a person who is resistant to correction and who actively opposes the path of righteousness.

Characteristics of a Scorner

1. Rejection of Wisdom and Instruction: Scorners are characterized by their disdain for wisdom and their refusal to accept instruction. Proverbs 13:1 states, "A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke." This highlights the scorner's unwillingness to learn or change their ways.

2. Pride and Arrogance: Scorners are often associated with pride and arrogance. Proverbs 21:24 describes them as "Proud, Arrogant, and Mocker are the names of him who acts with excessive pride." Their pride leads them to dismiss the counsel of others and to elevate their own understanding above all else.

3. Source of Strife and Contention: The presence of a scorner can lead to conflict and discord. Proverbs 22:10 advises, "Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease." This suggests that scorners are often at the center of disputes and that their removal can restore peace.

4. Resistance to Correction: Scorners are resistant to correction and often respond with hostility when confronted. Proverbs 9:7-8 warns, "He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." This passage illustrates the futility and potential backlash of attempting to correct a scorner.

Consequences for the Scorner

The Bible warns of the negative consequences that befall scorners. Their refusal to heed wisdom and correction ultimately leads to their downfall. Proverbs 19:29 states, "Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools." This indicates that scorners will face judgment and punishment for their actions.

Contrast with the Wise

The scorner is often contrasted with the wise in biblical literature. While the wise are open to instruction and correction, leading to growth and understanding, the scorner remains stagnant in their folly. Proverbs 15:12 notes, "A mocker does not love to be reproved, nor will he consult the wise." This contrast serves as a warning to avoid the path of the scorner and to seek wisdom instead.

Role in Society

In a broader societal context, scorners can be seen as those who undermine moral and spiritual values. Their influence can be detrimental to community cohesion and spiritual growth. The biblical admonition to avoid the company of scorners serves as a guide for maintaining a righteous and harmonious community.

In summary, the scorner in biblical literature is a figure who embodies pride, resistance to wisdom, and a source of conflict. The scriptures provide clear warnings about the consequences of such behavior and encourage the pursuit of wisdom and humility as a path to righteousness.(n.) One who scorns; a despiser; a contemner; specifically, a scoffer at religion.2707. kataphrontes -- a despiser
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kataphrontes Phonetic Spelling:
(kat-af-ron-tace') Short Definition: a despiser Definition: a despiser, scorner ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2707.htm - 6k3917b. lits -- to scorn
... 1), makes a mockery (1), mediator (1), mock (1), mocker (1), scoff (1), scoffer
(10), scoffers (5), scoffs at the scoffers (1), scorner (1), spokesmen (1). ...
/hebrew/3917b.htm - 5k

Autolycus an Idolater and Scorner of Christians.
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book I. Chapter I."Autolycus an Idolater and Scorner
of Christians. A fluent tongue and an elegant style ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter i autolycus an idolater and.htm

Whether one Ought to Forbear from Correcting Someone, through Fear ...
... On the contrary, It is written (Prov.9:8): "Rebuke not a scorner lest he hate thee,"
where a gloss remarks: "You must not fear lest the scorner insult you when ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether one ought to forbear.htm

The Service Common to the Festivals of the Holy virgin.
... He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame; and he that rebuketh a wicked
man getteth himself a blot, for rebukes unto the wicked are as wounds to him ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter ii the service common.htm

Of the Subject of the Power of the Keyes, to whom they are ...
... hath received a key of knowledge, is bound to watch over his neighbours soul, as
his own, and to admonish him of his sin, unlesse he be a scorner: but this he ...
/.../chap iii of the subject.htm

Of Atheistical Discourse.
... Tis set down in the seat of the scorner, and since it cannot argue, resolves to
laugh all Piety out of countenance, and having seized the mint, nothing shall ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iii of atheistical discourse.htm

Fourteenth Day. Endurance in Contradiction.
... "The seat of the scorner" has no place in yonder glorious heaven, where all will
be peace"no jarring note to disturb its blissful harmonies! ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/fourteenth day endurance in contradiction.htm

A Child of God Longing to See Him Beloved
... In this sequestered corner,. None hears what I express; Delivered from the scorner,.
What peace do I possess! Beneath the boughs reclining,. ...
/.../a child of god longing.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... consoling. Those who are under that awful curse are sunk in a deathly state
of insensibility, while they sit in the seat of the scorner. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... Our relations would not have us sit in the scorner's chair; they would not have
us be prodigals, consuming our substance upon harlots; neither would they have ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

Psalm 1
... In counsel of ungodly men,. nor stands in sinners' way,. Nor sitteth in the scorner's
chair: ^2But placeth his delight. Upon God's law, and meditates. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 1.htm

Scorner (12 Occurrences)
...Scorner (12 Occurrences). Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself
shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. ...
/s/scorner.htm - 9k

Scorn (65 Occurrences)
... In Proverbs 19:28 "scorn" is changed to "mock at" but elsewhere invariably to "scoff."
Scorner is the translation of the participle of luts and once of the ...
/s/scorn.htm - 31k

Understandeth (24 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not:
but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. (KJV WBS). ...
/u/understandeth.htm - 13k

Reprover (7 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 9:7 The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it --
shame, And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish. (YLT). ...
/r/reprover.htm - 8k

Reproveth (10 Occurrences)
... (ASV YLT). Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and
he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/r/reproveth.htm - 9k

Mocker (11 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, mocks; a scorner; a scoffer;
a derider. 2. (n.) A deceiver; an impostor. 3. (n.) A mocking bird. Int. ...
/m/mocker.htm - 14k

Reproof (29 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS RSV). Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee, Give
reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee. (YLT). Proverbs 10 ...
/r/reproof.htm - 15k

Intelligent (47 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Proverbs 14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and there is none for
him; but knowledge is easy unto the intelligent. (DBY YLT). ...
/i/intelligent.htm - 20k

Scorned (18 Occurrences)

/s/scorned.htm - 11k

Loveth (88 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate
thee, Give reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee. (YLT). ...
/l/loveth.htm - 30k

What is a scorner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Terminology of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

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Scorner: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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